Back in 1991, Apple struck a tax deal with Ireland
that was completely above-board and legal.
The Irish government provided Apple with a "comfort letter"
that said if it based its European operations in Ireland,
it would pay very low rates of tax.
In the 15 years since, Apple has created thousands of jobs in Ireland.
By 2015 it had 5,000 employees in the country.
Another 1,000 jobs are planned for the HQ in Cork.
This year, Apple will open its Athenry site, with another 200 jobs in the making.
The deal between Apple and Ireland was pretty clear:
Give us low taxes and we will give you jobs.
A note from a meeting between the government and an Apple tax advisor
in 1990 basically said exactly that:
"Apple was now the largest employer in the Cork area
with 1,000 direct employees and 500 persons engaged on a subcontract basis.
It was stated that the company is at present reviewing its worldwide operations
and wishes to establish a profit margin on its Irish operations."
Apple is now the single largest taxpayer in Ireland,
so it has the kind of negotiating strength to get what it wants.
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